ADVANCING ADT

ROAD MAP FOR

ALABAMA

A Three-Year Plan

Submitted by:

TONY FRAZIER, DMV

STATE VETERINARIAN

ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND INDUSTRIES

1445 FEDERAL DRIVE, MONTGOMERY, AL 36107

334-240-7253

Submitted to:

KEITH S. SQUIRES, DMV

AREA VETERINARIAN FOR ALABAMA

VETERINARY SERVICES

ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

JANUARY 2022
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Table of Contents

I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY....................................................................................................... 3

II. CURRENT TRACEABILITY SITUATION............................................................................ 3

2.1 Who are we? ....................................................................................................................... 3

2.2 Where are we now?............................................................................................................. 3

2.3 Strengths and Weaknesses.................................................................................................. 4

2.4 Opportunities and Threats................................................................................................... 5

2.5 Inventory of existing infrastructure and suitability assessment.......................................... 5

III. VISION AND MISSION CONTEXT FOR ADVANCING TRACEABILITY....................... 5

3.1 Vision statement ................................................................................................................. 5

3.2 Mission statement ............................................................................................................... 6

IV. TRACEABILITY REQUIREMENTS ...................................................................................... 6

4.1 Strategic goal(s) ................................................................................................................. 6

4.2 Programmatic goal(s) (Objectives) .................................................................................... 6

4.3 Animal Disease Traceability performance measures.......................................................... 7

4.4 Data requirements............................................................................................................... 8

4.5 Information technology plan............................................................................................... 9

4.6 Resource requirements........................................................................................................ 9

4.7 Organizational needs........................................................................................................... 9

4.7.1 Executive support............................................................................................ 9

4.7.2 Coordination and oversight procedures........................................................... 9

4.7.3 Policy............................................................................................................... 9

4.7.4 Staffing............................................................................................................ 9

4.7.5 Budget requirements ....................................................................................... 9

4.7.6 Outreach .......................................................................................................... 9

4.7.6.1 Accredited veterinarians..................................................................... 9

4.7.6.2 Slaughter Plants................................................................................ 10

4.7.6.3 Industry as a whole........................................................................... 10

4.8 Monitoring and reporting interstate movement activity ................................................... 10

V. ADVANCING TRACEABILITY........................................................................................... 10

5.1 Ranking of priorities for advancement ............................................................................. 10

5.2 Implementation of objectives............................................................................................ 11
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I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Protecting Alabama’s agriculture by safeguarding animal health and productivity is vital to 

the citizens of Alabama. Healthy livestock and poultry are one component to providing the public 

a safe, affordable, and wholesome food supply. Preparing for the potential introduction of foreign 

animal diseases that harm both livestock and the livelihoods of producers also creates economic 

stability and opportunity. In addition, when Alabama livestock are healthy and disease prevention 

and preparedness measures are adequate, our trading partners have confidence in our products. 

While ranchers and farmers work hard to protect their animals and their livelihoods, there is no 

guarantee their animals will be spared from disease; disease events can happen accidentally or 

intentionally. Rapid response systems minimize economic impact should diseases enter this state

causing disruption of the movement of livestock.

Animal disease traceability is critical to the success of Alabama’s disease preparedness and 

response activities. While prevention is our priority, an effective response system must be in place 

in the event of a disease outbreak. The potential emergence of highly contagious diseases makes 

that need more urgent. To be better able to prevent disease from spreading and to eradicate disease 

where it exists, we must be able to quickly trace infected and exposed animals. Traceability is a 

tool that reassures the Alabama livestock producer, consumer, and trading partners because of its 

role in safeguarding animal health. The faster we can trace sick animals, the faster we can stop the 

spread of disease and resume normal movements.

II. CURRENT TRACEABILITY SITUATION

2.1 Who are we?

This roadmap has been prepared and will be implemented by the Alabama Department of 

Agriculture and Industries (ADAI). The ADAI serves the livestock producers of Alabama which 

are represented by industry stakeholders. The state veterinarian has organized the Animal ID 

Working Group made up of representatives from these industry stakeholders. This includes the 

Alabama Cattlemen’s Association, the Alabama Open Horse Association, the Alabama Livestock 

Marketing Association, cattle producers, RFID Lab, Auburn University, the Alabama Horse 

Council, the Alabama Farmer’s Federation, the Alabama Beef Cattle Improvement Association, 

the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service, ADAI and USDA/APHIS/VS. The working group 

meets quarterly to discuss application and implementation of animal traceability. 

2.2 Where are we now?

Currently, the ADAI requires, by rule, that certain livestock be individually identified prior to 

being imported into the state. This is reviewed by staff of the state veterinarian for accuracy and 

completeness as it appears on ICVIs. Information from import ICVIs is now being entered into the

electronic data system USAHerds and sorted by state. A search can be made with history of date 

of importation, consignor/consignee information, official animal identification, or accredited 

veterinarian information. Export ICVIs are managed in a similar fashion. Electronic CVIs, as 

provided by several vendors to accredited veterinarians, are accepted and can be uploaded directly 

into the USAHerds database. Presently, ICVIs are reviewed by trained staff for accuracy and 

completeness. Deficiencies are noted and a letter describing such is sent to the State Animal Health 

Official in the state of origin. Such information received on veterinarians within Alabama is 

forwarded to the issuing veterinarian by regular mail. This includes a joint letter signed by the 
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state veterinarian and the AVIC with details of the deficiency and references to the CFR that 

describes veterinary accreditation responsibilities related to proper issuance of the ICVI. This 

process may include a face-to-face meeting with the issuing veterinarian and field VMOs. In 

addition to the requirement for certain livestock to be officially identified prior to being imported 

into the state, ADAI now requires certain livestock to be officially identified at change of 

ownership. As part of an administrative rule, unless otherwise exempt, all cattle 18 months of age 

and older must be officially identified at change of ownership.

The ADAI has continued to shift the application of metal tags and the recording of such tags 

to the producer, local livestock markets, and/or the accredited veterinarian. The distribution of the 

metal ear tags (NUES tags) is made by the state veterinarian’s office upon request from producers 

and will continue to be administered by ADAI. The ADAI will support the transition to official 

RFID tags when finalized by USDA APHIS VS. ADAI is currently providing official RFID tags 

for show cattle, to 13 of the state’s 22 livestock markets, and to producers for placement in 

replacement animals. Official metal ear tags and RFID tags are assigned to a premises number 

obtained through the Standardized Premises Registration System (SPRS) and tag numbers 

managed by the Premises ID Coordinator. Currently, 13 stockyards are implementing the use of 

RFID tags for cattle that require official identification. Required cattle are tagged with tags being

read by hand-held readers and then uploaded to a spreadsheet that is distributed to the market's 

accounting system and forwarded to the state veterinarian's office. Once received by the state 

veterinarian's office, this searchable spreadsheet is then uploaded into USAHerds. Plans to increase 

the use of these tags in stockyards throughout the state over the next year are being developed. As 

detailed in the last Road Map, the Alabama Cattleman’s Association did provide cost-share funds 

to livestock markets to enhance infrastructure to support the use of electronic tags and data storage. 

This has been in the form of RFID readers and/or computer devices for the 13 markets using the 

RFID system. 

Metal and RFID tag distribution information is entered into the USAHerds database once 

assigned to a premises. Accredited veterinarians that are assigned official tags notify our office 

when tags are distributed to producers. Once official identification tags are assigned to specific 

markets or tagging sites in the state veterinarian’s office, they are distributed by field staff. The 

state veterinarian’s office receives market records electronically or by paper that are filed 

electronically. Spreadsheets received from markets using RFID tags are uploaded directly into 

USAHerds.

The ADAI continues to support Brucellosis-free herd certification, Brucellosis calf hood 

vaccinations, and TB-free herd accreditation programs that require official identification.

2.3 Strengths and weaknesses

The ADAI strengths include the presence of well-trained staff and field personnel. In addition, 

the ADAI has strong and established relationships with industry stakeholders that are key to 

advancing ADT in Alabama. 

Presently, a search for animal identification information held by ADAI is only available 

during office hours of 8-5 Monday through Friday. However, an after-hour emergency search for 

information could be achieved by the state veterinarian or associate state veterinarian. Information 

held by livestock markets presents a challenge and will be discussed under that topic. Currently,

traceability at the markets has been achieved through relationships with market personnel and 

state/federal field staff. 
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2.4 Opportunities and threats 

As mentioned previously, one challenge exists when animal movement information is needed 

from databases held by livestock markets. Few of the state’s 22 livestock markets are large enough 

to maintain staff 24/7 to facilitate a potential records search after business hours or on weekends. 

Market staff are only available to provide records access on the day of regular scheduled market 

sale. Therefore, if a search for animal movement is required, it could be the next sell or business 

day before office staff could assist ADAI personnel. 

Adequate funding is an ongoing challenge to most programs with ADT being no exception. 

ADAI may be faced with potential general fund cuts to the Agency for the next upcoming state 

budget cycle. Additional funds for personnel, IT software, and hardware support will be sought. 

Another challenge faced is the struggle to secure producer and stakeholder buy-in to the ADT 

program on a broad, multispecies scale from the large, full-time producer to the small producer 

and hobby farmer. The credibility and usefulness of livestock identification is somewhat 

increasing, especially for the larger producer, but remains apathetically perceived by some. Many 

producers still fail to understand the importance of rapid traceability in a livestock disease outbreak 

or the cost associated with such an outbreak. Some within the industry continue to feel that the 

cost of implementation of ADT will be entirely placed on the industry. Supply chain disruptions 

have caused the availability of RFID tags from manufacturers to be compromised. 

Opportunities to meet these challenges involve the management of ADT and premises 

registration by state officials, implementing the use of electronic identifiers with programs to 

search data electronically and remotely, educating producers on the transition to RFID technology 

and the benefits of electronic production records, and working to secure federal cooperative 

agreement funding where available.

2.5 Inventory of existing infrastructure and suitability assessment

ADAI’s personnel resources available for traceability purposes include: one state veterinarian, 

two associate state veterinarians, two veterinary medical officers, three animal health technicians, 

and three administrative assistants. Standard connectivity is in place in the central office. Field 

staff are equipped with smart phones and computers with wireless connectivity capabilities. The 

ADAI has departmental IT support to maintain computers, software, and cell phones. All paper 

records systems are maintained in storage at the ADAI. Necessary personnel have access to the 

required databases. ADAI has also equipped field personnel with handheld and/or wand RFID 

readers.

III. VISION AND MISSION CONTEXT FOR ADVANCING TRACEABILITY

3.1 Vision statement

The ADAI strives to advance traceability to further protect Alabama’s agriculture by 

safeguarding animal health and productivity. Healthy livestock are one component to providing 

the public a safe, affordable, and wholesome food supply. Preparing for the potential introduction 

of foreign animal diseases that harm both livestock and the livelihoods of producers also creates 

economic stability and opportunity.
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3.2 Mission statement

The ADAI mission is to improve the accuracy and efficiency of animal traceability in order 

to enhance the effectiveness of ADAI’s response and recovery efforts in the event of an animal 

disease outbreak or natural disaster.

IV. TRACEABILITY REQUIREMENTS

4.1 Strategic goal

To further develop and implement a state-wide infrastructure for advancing animal disease 

traceability compatible with state and USDA standards.

The ADAI plans to continue to strengthen current traceability measures by utilizing the 

USAHerds database management system. The data collected by the Brucellosis and TB programs

will be entered into USAHerds. 

Additionally, ADAI’s current rule requires official identification, defined for each species, for 

livestock within the state of Alabama whenever a change of ownership occurs for the purpose of 

disease control. Exceptions to these requirements are defined for each species. Livestock moved 

interstate would continue to comply with official identification and other documentation 

requirements in disease program regulations.

In addition, ADAI will implement the four overarching goals for the advancement of Animal 

Disease Traceability as described by USDA. These goals will include: 

• Advance the electronic sharing of data among federal and state animal health officials

• Use electronic ID tags for animals requiring individual ID

• Enhance the ability to track animals from birth to slaughter

• Increase the use of electronic animal health certificates 

4.2 Programmatic goals

The pilot project initiated to apply RFID tags to cattle that are required to be tagged in 

livestock markets will be promoted to include additional livestock markets within the state. 

Currently, 13 of the 22 livestock markets have implemented the use of RFID tag placement in 

cattle requiring official ID. Over the next three years, ADAI will encourage participation in this 

project with plans to implement the use of RFID tags in cattle that require official ID in the 

remaining livestock markets. Also, ADAI will shift the application of RFID tags and the recording 

of such tags to the local livestock markets and/or the accredited veterinarian. The distribution of 

the RFID tags to the livestock markets and accredited veterinarians will continue to be 

administered by ADAI but will eventually become the responsibility of the user. ADAI projects 

the need for approximately 60,000-70,000 RFID tags for adult cattle that move through market 

channels annually, based on data from the Alabama Market News Reporting Section.

ADAI will continue to encourage and assist the accredited veterinarian and livestock markets

to become Animal Identification Number managers. This will allow the distribution of RFID tags 

to be industry driven. ADAI will provide premises ID numbers using the SPRS and will continue 

to provide printed plastic cards with the producer’s name, address, and premises ID number(s) on 

the card. 
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Over the next three years, ADAI plans to purchase two panel readers for RFID tags at selected 

tagging sites. This will be determined by participant willingness and infrastructure compatibility. 

This project will evaluate the use of RFID technology at the speed of market flow.

4.3 Animal disease traceability performance measures

The ADAI will take the role of leadership in the further advancement of ADT by writing and 

enforcement of needed regulations to ensure a robust traceability program is in place. Training of 

office and field staff will be ongoing and regular testing of the program to measure progress or 

deficiencies. This will be at least quarterly. The goal will be to reach and maintain certain 

performance standards.

Performance Standards:

• Notify State/Tribe in which reference animals were officially identified within one 

business day. Should animals require tracing, ADAI will notify State/Tribe by either/or 

phone call and e-mail to the state animal health official.

• Identify traceability unit in which reference animals were identified within two business 

days. Presently, a search for animal identification information held by ADAI is only 

available during office hours of 8-5 Monday through Friday. However, after hour 

emergency search for information could be achieved by staff using USAHerds. 

Currently, traceability at the markets has been achieved through relationships with market 

personnel and state/federal field staff. Recent MCI Brucellosis responder investigations 

and a test of the metal ear tag pilot project have given adequate results. Upon receiving 

notice of a trace, buyer/seller information has been discovered within 24 hours and farm 

visits made within 5-7 days. 

• Notify State/Tribe from which the reference animals were shipped within three business 

days. Should animals require tracing, ADAI will notify State/Tribe by either/or phone 

call and e-mail to the state animal health official.

• Identify the traceability unit from which the reference animals were shipped within five

business days. Presently, a search for animal identification information held by ADAI is 

only available during office hours of 8-5 Monday through Friday. However, after hour 

emergency search for information could be achieved by staff using USAHerds. Currently 

traceability at the markets has been achieved through relationships with market personnel 

and state/federal field staff. Recent MCI Brucellosis responder investigations and a test of 

the metal ear tag pilot project have given adequate results. Upon receiving notice of a 

trace, buyer/seller information has been discovered within 24 hours and farm visits made 

within 5-7 days. 

ADAI will continue to implement the USDA ADT rule that supports the needs of the state 

veterinarian in a disease event and meets the needs of livestock stakeholders. The application 

of the premises registration system will be used, the distribution of silver metal ear tags will 

continue until the until the transition to official RFID tags has been finalized by USDA APHIS 

VS, and the use of electronic CVI’s will be supported by ADAI. Supporting regulations will 

be written where needed.
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ADAI has continued to shift the application of metal tags and the recording of such tags 

to the producer, local livestock markets, and/or the accredited veterinarian. The distribution 

of the metal ear tags (NUES tags) is made by the state veterinarian’s office upon request from 

producers and will continue to be administered by ADAI. ADAI will support the transition to 

official RFID tags when finalized by USDA APHIS VS. ADAI is currently providing official 

RFID tags for show cattle, to stockyards that are tagging cattle that require official 

identification, and to producers applying official tags to replacement animals. Official metal 

ear tags and RFID tags are assigned to a premises number obtained through the Standardized 

Premises Registration System (SPRS) and tag numbers managed by the Premises ID 

Coordinator. Currently, 13 stockyards are implementing the use of RFID tags for cattle that 

require official identification. Required cattle are tagged and tags are read by hand-held readers 

and uploaded to a spreadsheet that is distributed to the market's accounting system and 

forwarded to the state veterinarian's office. Once received by the state veterinarian's office, this 

searchable spreadsheet is then uploaded into USAHerds. Plans to increase the use of these tags 

in stockyards throughout the state over the next year are being developed. Currently, ADAI 

maintains RFID infrastructure and will be updating these platforms in partnership with the 

Alabama Cattlemen's Association. The intent is to demonstrate such technology so that 

markets can decide which application better fits their system. The Alabama Cattlemen’s 

Association did provide cost-share funds to livestock markets to enhance infrastructure to 

support the use of electronic tags and data storage. 

4.4 Data requirements

Premises identification shall follow standards set by USDA APHIS VS and the SPIS. Location 

identification shall be allocated through the USAHerds software. Alabama’s official identification 

standards follow 9CFR. Currently, ADAI distributes NUES tags to accredited veterinarians, 

livestock markets, and producers. ADAI will offer RFID tags to producers for cattle that are 

required to be tagged at no cost while supplies last. Traceability data will be shared with USDA 

APHIS VS upon request. Currently, the ADAI requires, by rule, that certain livestock be 

individually identified prior to being imported into the state. This is reviewed by staff of the state 

veterinarian for accuracy and completeness as it appears on ICVIs. Information from import ICVIs 

is now being entered into the electronic data system USAHerds and sorted by state. A search can 

be made with history of date of importation, consignor/consignee information, official animal 

identification, or accredited veterinarian information. Export ICVIs are managed in a similar 

fashion. Electronic CVIs, as provided by several vendors to accredited veterinarians, can be 

uploaded directly into the USAHerds database. Presently, ICVIs are reviewed by trained staff for 

accuracy and completeness. Also, the ADAI requires, by rule, that certain cattle, unless otherwise 

exempt, be officially identified at change of ownership. 

ADAI has continued to shift the application of metal tags and the recording of such tags to the 

producer, local livestock markets, and/or the accredited veterinarian. The distribution of the metal 

ear tags (NUES tags) is made by the state veterinarian’s office upon request from producers and 

will continue to be administered by ADAI. ADAI will support the timeline for transition to official 

RFID tags as presented by USDA APHIS VS. ADAI is currently providing official RFID tags for 

show cattle and to producers applying official ID to replacement animals. Official metal ear tags 

and RFID tags are assigned to a premises number obtained through the Standardized Premises 

Registration System (SPRS) and tag numbers managed by the Premises ID Coordinator. 
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4.5 Information technology plan

The ADAI databases are maintained by ADAI IT staff. As state and federal funding allows, 

ADAI will continue to invest in upgrades in information technology equipment and infrastructure. 

New alternatives and databases will continue to be researched and evaluated.

4.6 Resource requirements

Automated data capture equipment and resources such as RFID readers (wands, panels),

computers, etc. are needed for all 22 livestock markets in Alabama. ADAI is working in 

partnership with the Alabama Cattlemen's Association to continue providing initial startup funding 

for infrastructure needs for livestock markets. The intent is to demonstrate such technology so that 

markets can decide which application better fits their system. The Alabama Cattlemen's 

Association did develop a cost-share project with livestock markets to enhance infrastructure.

4.7 Organizational needs

4.7.1 Executive support

All executive officials within the ADAI are aware of the need for improved animal 

disease traceability and are briefed on progress of traceability on a routine basis.

4.7.2 Coordination and oversight procedures

The ADAI Animal ID Working Group meets quarterly to discuss issues regarding 

animal traceability or more often as issues arise. The agenda is prepared by the state 

veterinarian. Attendance, minutes, etc. are collected at each meeting. The Animal ID 

Working Group is provided up-to-date information on animal disease traceability in 

Alabama and the US. The industry stakeholders that makeup this group provide industry 

input and assist with dissemination of information to their respective producer groups.

4.7.3 Policy

ADAI implemented the Animal Disease Traceability Rule (80-3-6-40) effective 

January 1, 2013. 

4.7.4 Staffing

ADAI veterinarians and staff will oversee the collection, maintenance, storage, and 

availability of traceability data. Field personnel (veterinarians and technicians) will oversee 

compliance and investigation of traceability events in the field. Office staff will be 

responsible for data entry and storage. 

4.7.5 Budget requirements

Animal disease traceability in Alabama is funded using both state and federal funds. 

The USDA APHIS VS cooperative agreement funding provides $122,380 annually to 

support ADAI traceability goals.

4.7.6 Outreach

4.7.6.1 Accredited veterinarians

ADAI will continue to host quarterly animal ID working group meetings to 

develop strategies for ADT advancement. The State Veterinarian will continue to 

present ADT activities and areas of involvement for accredited veterinarians at the 

annual Alabama Food Animal Conference. The state veterinarian’s office, in 
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conjunction with USDA officials in the state, produce a biannual newsletter with 

timely information for accredited veterinarians. 

4.7.6.2 Livestock markets

ADAI serves as an advisor to the Alabama Livestock Marketing Association 

and attends meetings with the organization to keep them apprised of all issues 

related to ADT. In addition, ADAI staff make routine visits to the livestock markets 

in the state. In cooperation with the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association, the ADAI 

has initiated a project to outfit the 22 livestock markets in the state with RFID 

readers and computers. In addition, ADAI staff have been visiting with each 

stockyard to explain and demonstrate the use of RFID readers and software. 

4.7.6.3 Industry as a whole

As an advisor to stake holder groups such as Alabama Cattlemen’s 

Association, Alabama Farmer’s Federation, Alabama Beef Cattle Improvement 

Association, and Alabama Livestock Marketing Association, the state veterinarian 

and staff will provide outreach materials with training on ADT to these groups at 

every opportunity. ADAI will coordinate with the Alabama Cooperative Extension 

Service to develop an outreach program for under-reached livestock owners at the 

county level. This will be a combination of face-to-face meetings and use of the 

video conferencing capabilities within the extension system. Over the next three 

years, ADAI plans to develop secure food supply plans with stakeholder groups to 

include a secure beef supply plan. This activity will emphasize the need for onfarm biosecurity and inventory of animals using official identification devices. In 

the event of a foreign animal disease and potential stop movement reactions, secure 

food supply plans and animal traceability will be critical for the return to normal 

livestock production as soon as possible.

4.8 Monitoring and reporting interstate movement activity

ADAI is using USAHerds to record animal movement data received from ICVIs. Information 

from import and export ICVIs will be entered including accurate origin and destination (and this 

linked to SPRS where available), number of animals, species and class, date the ICVI was written, 

and accredited veterinarian information. Electronic CVIs sourced from providers such as Global 

Vet Linc, AgView, VSPS, etc. are also being entered into USAHerds, as well. 

ADAI will monitor and report, in a quarterly report format, the number of:

1. ICVIs created by species

2. ICVIs received by species

3. Animals permitted to be moved in by species

4. Animals permitted to be moved out by species

5. USDA official tags/devices issued

V. TRACEABILITY IMPLEMENTATION

5.1 Ranking of priorities for advancement

1. Increase the use of RFID technologies across Alabama

2. Increase the use of electronic systems to collect and submit traceability data
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3. Continue outreach and education to stakeholders through newsletters, informational 

brochures/pamphlets, ADAI website

4. Maintain and monitor ADAI traceability databases

5.2 Implementation of objectives

1. Increase use of RFID technologies across Alabama

a. Continue to facilitate use of RFID tags and readers in livestock markets 

b. Facilitate use of RFID technologies with accredited veterinarians

c. Encourage producers to use RFID tags 

2. Increase the use of electronic systems to collect and submit traceability data

a. Encourage accredited veterinarians to use electronic ICVIs

b. Encourage auction markets to submit records electronically

3. Continue outreach and education to stakeholders through newsletters, informational 

brochures/pamphlets, ADAI website

a. Livestock producers

b. Livestock markets

c. Accredited veterinarians

4. Maintain and monitor ADAI traceability databases

a. Monitor searchability of all ADAI database